Credit: ICC
Only a few days are left for the much-awaited World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lords from June 11 to 15As many as 8 triple centuries, if you were to take note, have been scored, as on date, by an Australian cricketer in test match cricket. So far, 7 Aussies have made these triple hundreds. On the whole, 32 triple centuries have been struck in Test match cricket.
And yet, it's amazing to think that none of those 8 triple tons made by the Aussies have ever come against South Africa. However, there've been several double hundreds and when not, double centuries, then smashing blazing test centuries that have happened. So, as the World Test Championship final, the much awaited WTC final awaits us with frenzy, let us take a walk down the memory lane.
Let us, therefore, attempt to realise the best Test centuries made by an Australian cricketer against a potent force and as seen back in the day, giant of the game: South Africa.
Sir Don Bradman
Sir Don’s 299 not out against the South Africans came way back in time in 1932. This was a glorious batting effort at Adelaide and charmed the crowds. In the end, the solid and committed innings by the iconic right hander saw his team score 500 plus runs, winning the contest in the end by 10 wickets.
Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke scored a comprehensive, sturdy and glamorous 259 unbeaten runs at the big Brisbane stadium in the year 2012 against the visiting Proteas team. During his knock that came against a line up in which Kallis made a stupendous hundred, Clarke stayed put for 398 deliveries in the middle.
On a batting friendly wicket, the result was a draw and maybe, that was the most natural conclusion.
Neil Harvey
96 years old and someone with 79 Tests for Australian side, here's an unabashed great for Australia and someone whose position as a great of the game stands undisputed.
Neil Harvey made a fighting 205 v SA during 1952-53 series at the MCG. This was the most popular knock of that series but ultimately one that actually saw South Africa chasing down the target, perhaps a bit unexpectedly.
Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist had scored, back in the day, a commanding and useful 204 not out versus the Proteas at Jo’burg in 2002. This, if you think about it, came 23 years ago.
The left hander’s splendid hundred came off just 213 deliveries. However, the match ended in a comprehensive innings win for the travelling Aussies
In the same game- Hayden, Mark Waugh too, chipped in with nice promising scores and the key was that the Aussies countered a potent attack featuring Nel, Ntini, Kallis and Boje.
Usman Khawaja
Usman Khwaja with a domineering 195 at the legendary SCG vs SA in 2023 remains, even today, one of the well compiled centuries to have ever been hit against South Africa.
In the same match Steve Smith too scored a fine century. The match was drawn. But even today, remains Khawaja’s best effort against the Proteas as a test match batter, having hit 15 more centuries in the format during his career.
